This Clemson pro is already making a good impression in his first NFL training camp.

After he wasn’t selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.

Briningstool got high marks from Chiefs coach Andy Reid when he met with the media at training camp on Thursday.

Reid likes what he’s seen from Briningstool early in camp and credited Chiefs general manager Brett Veach for bringing Briningstool, a two-time All-ACC selection, into their organization.

“So, Brett gets the credit for that one. He loved him and loved what he saw,” Reid said. “And so far, the kid has done a nice job. Again, let’s see how he does when things get going. But he’s working in there. It looks like the quarterbacks trust him. They’re throwing it to him. So, it’s positive.”

Reid deserves some credit, too, for the Chiefs getting Briningstool.

During rookie minicamp in May, Briningstool revealed that a phone call he received from Reid impacted his decision to sign with Reid’s team following this year’s draft.

“Just talking to Coach Reid on the phone, I think he laid out a great plan for me, kind of just the situation, being able to come in and learn from a great tight end room and just be able to take full advantage of that opportunity,” Briningstool said. “I think also this offense, it fits my skillset and stuff I do really well. So, I’m glad to be here and excited to go to work.”

Briningstool had several NFL suitors after the draft – he said four teams besides Kansas City were interested in him – but Kansas City’s championship culture was another big factor in his decision to choose the Chiefs. As Briningstool alluded to above, so was the chance to learn from Travis Kelce – a 10-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champion – and others in Kansas City’s tight end room.

Briningstool was part of a Clemson program that went 40-14 and won two ACC titles during his four-year career with the Tigers (2021-24).

During his career at Clemson, Briningstool caught 127 passes for 1,380 yards and 17 touchdowns over his 48 career games, including 26 starts.

Briningstool finished as the Tigers’ all-time leader in career receptions by a tight end, breaking Jordan Leggett’s mark. He also finished second in school history in receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.

Briningstool finished his Clemson career tied for the seventh-most receptions by a tight end in ACC history. His three career 100-yard receiving games were a Clemson tight end record as well.

–Photo courtesy of Denny Medley-Imagn Images